“I’ve had other chances to become a head coach in England and in other countries,” said Pelach. “But I know the league, I know the opposition and I already know about our players. The level of the squad is good. I believe in them and I will create a playing style that suits their qualities.
“I feel a great excitement and sense of responsibility to Stoke City and can’t thank (chairman) John Coates and (tehnical director) Jon Walters enough for giving me this opportunity. Once I saw in their eyes how passionate they are about the club and how much they want to embrace a different identity and philosophy, I could not refuse and, once I’m in, I’m all in.”
Prior to coming to England, Pelach worked with UE Figueres, CF Peralada and hometown club Girona.
“Across the extensive dialogue I’ve had across football, including at the highest levels of the game, Narcis is one of the most respected and sought-after coaches around,” said Stoke technical director Jonathan Walters, the former Potters striker.
“He is exceptionally driven and meticulous and will drive those same standards from everyone around him at the club.
“Having been a head coach in Spain from the age of 25, it was always something Narcis was going to get back to. He has been patient about selecting the right opportunity.”
Since Mark Hughes was sacked in January 2018 and Paul Lambert took over but failed to prevent the Potters being relegated from the Premier League, the club has now made six new managerial appointments.
Pelach will follow Gary Rowett, Nathan Jones, Michael O’Neill, Alex Neil and Schumacher as Stoke’s sixth manager or head coach in the Championship.
He joins Corberan, now with early Championship leaders West Bromwich Albion, and Unai Emery at Aston Villa as the third Spanish boss in Midlands football.